Death Toll Reaches 36 As Riots Grips Haryana

The death toll in Haryana has reached to 36, of which 28 were in Panchkula alone after Dera Sacha Sauda followers went on a rampage following the conviction of their sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in Panchkula district. “While 552 people were arrested”, said Haryana DGP.

A day after incidents of arson and violence was reported in Haryana following the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, curfew will be relaxed in Haryana’s Sirsa district from 6 AM-11 AM on Sunday whereas situation in Delhi remained “normal and under control”, with the Delhi Police maintaining a high alert.

Police have detained 15 Dera Sacha Sauda followers in Sirsa, even as the authorities have appealed to over one lakh supporters still present in the sect headquarters to vacate the premises.

The situation in Haryana was assessed at present to be under control, though it is being carefully monitored. Home Minister Rajnath Singh took note of the assurance of DGP, Haryana that law and order situation in Haryana would be kept in control.

In a statement, the home ministry said the home minister reviewed the internal security and law and order situation in the country in general and in Haryana and adjoining areas and Jammu and Kashmir in particular.

The self-styled godman was arrested on Friday after being convicted in a 15-year-old rape case and has been living in custody.